Chapter 933

It was a pleasant surprise, a godsend. Lily had previously worried he disliked children, or wasn't ready for them. Now, that concern vanished. Having children, she mused, truly depended on fate; it arrived unexpectedly.

"It looks like the wedding will be quick," she said, shrugging and lying down. A sense of motherhood already blossomed within her. Pregnancy demanded rest; for the child's sake, she needed to care for herself.

"Indeed, but you're not to interfere. If you have ideas, write them down; let someone else handle them. You are not allowed to go! Understand?" His domineering demeanor was strikingly handsome. Knowing his concern, Lily nodded, "Okay!"

In the Imperial Lounge, Ralph held a wine bottle, frowning at the silently seated Heather. He mused, This has been going on for hours. What is she doing? Rumors painted Heather as shrewd, ambitious, temperamental, and unpredictable. Their polite meal, though not enjoyable, had been tolerable.

She kept her head down, avoiding his gaze, let alone expressing any happiness. Had he not been pursuing marriage, or if their union didn't affect her business and family, he might have assumed disinterest. But considering her powerful family, the support he desperately needed, and his mother's words, he suppressed his irritation and patiently accompanied her. After dinner, she shopped, buying nothing, shaking her head at his every question.

He was about to lose his patience. They sat in the private lounge, ordering nothing, not even singing. The snacks were half-gone. He couldn't fathom her quiet stillness. At least offer an explanation, he thought. Even a refusal deserved explanation. The rumors, he felt, were entirely false.

After a moment, he poured two glasses of red wine, swirling them. Heather shifted away as he approached. Ralph remained silent. He'd dressed stylishly; he looked very handsome. Muttering under his breath, he sat beside her.

Heather shifted further, nearly against the wall, clearly uncomfortable.

"Heather, don't move any further. I'm afraid you'll fall into the next room. I won't be able to explain that!" He said it half-jokingly, but she looked at him strangely, "Huh?"

Though simple, it was one of her few words to him. A response, at least.

"I mean," Ralph said happily, "if you move again, you'll be in the next room. How will I explain your 'wall penetration' superpower? Haha..."